After
an 84 year life of accomplishment, caring, and adventure, Peter Joseph
McNamara, M.D., peacefully passed away Monday, April 22, 2013.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Mary (nee
O'Malley); his beloved wife of 42 years, Dorothy (nee Gober); and his
first born grandson, Peter Carver.

He is survived by his adoring son, Peter McNamara Jr. of Madison; loving
daughters, Karen McNamara Carver of Durango, Colo., and Beth McNamara of
Port Washington; sister, Barbara O'Toole; grandchildren, Colin and
Claire Carver; as well as numerous relatives, associates, friends and
patients.

The doctor was born in New York City of Irish immigrant parents,
graduated from Xavier Academy, Fordham University and New York Medical
College. He completed his internship and residency at Kings County
Hospital in New York City where he met his wife. He received
post-graduate training in gastroenterology from the Lahey Clinic in
Boston and moved to Milwaukee in 1958.

The doctor developed a large private practice, being among the first
interventional gastroenterologists in the city. His career spanned
dramatic changes in medicine and as a board certified internist; he
treated patients at many Milwaukee hospitals, Aurora Advanced Healthcare
Clinics, the VA Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin. His
professional service was with compassion, care and sage advice, which
was recognized by his peers.

He retired from medicine the age of 79, but remained an active member of
the Milwaukee Gastroenterological Society and followed advances in
medicine until his death. Outside of medicine, he enjoyed music and
plays and was a lifelong supporter of the performing arts. With Beth, he
was a fixture at performances by the Florentine Opera, Milwaukee
Symphony and Ballet, the Repertory Theater, Concordia University, Melody
Top and various schools, temples and churches. He enjoyed exhibits and
lectures on a wide variety of subjects.

Peter was also a longtime supporter of the Milwaukee Public, Art, and
Discovery museums, the Schlitz Audubon Center, Riveredge, and the State
Historical Society. He was interested in astronomy and a member of the
Milwaukee Astronomical Society. Young Peter was an avid sports car
enthusiast, racing Porsches, BMWs, and other exotics with Harold Z i m d
a r . Throughout his life, he was active in outdoor sports.

He was a ski devotee, long time member of Heiliger Huegel Ski Club,
National Ski Patrol, coach for Special Olympics Winter Games, and he
left the legacy of skiing children and grandchildren. Peter was active
in river sports as a kayaker, champion canoeist, and as a member of the
Milwaukee Rowing Club, a sculler. Starting in spring until fall, he was
often on the Milwaukee River and introduced many friends into these
sports. He was an avid dingy sailor and racer out of the Pike Lake Yacht
Club.

The doctor was a founding member and lifelong member of the Rite-Hite
YMCA in Brown Deer, WI. Peter was an environmentalist leading by
example, planting thousands of trees on his property, recycling and
reusing, and commuting by bike from Mequon to work in downtown
Milwaukee. Peter will be remembered by all those who he touch by his
humility, humanity and mentoring. He inspired personal integrity,
life-long learning and a “can-do” attitude. He led a great life and will
be profoundly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at his church, Lumen Christi
Catholic Church, 2700 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, on Saturday, May 11, at 11
a.m. His family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday at the
church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. A reception will be held
in the church hall immediately following the Mass, featuring his beloved
Irish music. Private Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in
Mequon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics Wisconsin,
2310 Crossroads Dr., Suite 1000, Madison, WI 53718.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at
www.schramkadensow.com.
The Schramka-Densow Funeral Home is assisting the family.